• Home
  • Book Trailer
  • The Interview - Bella Donna

The Interview - Bella Donna

https://www.amazon.com/author/newbelladonnabooks

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

I can't answer this question in relation to others and how they should do things. I know for myself, I will write a detailed notation about this idea, then continue on with my current project. Otherwise, I will ADHD all over and will never finish any project.

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

Oooohhhhh.....this is a hard one seeing my main characters are a triad, thus equals.  If I had to pick, I would say my favorite is Kirlynn. This girl has conquered so much in her life and grew into such a fierce woman. It is exciting to explore this change and to see where she ends up!

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

This series started out as a dream. I knew the beginning up to the middle and I knew how I wanted the ending.  I struggled with the connection. My second book just flew out of my head, I had just finished my first and I couldn't stop writing. My third on the other hand was something that kept evolving and changing as it was written.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

I highly recommend Chandelle LaVaun, Jen Grey, Christopher Paolini, Megan Malone, or Kel Carpenter.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].

What do I enjoy most about writing Fantasy? I enjoy visiting a new world and leaving my own troubles behind. I love building characters and loving them, watching them grow like my own children. I love when readers get emotionally attached to my characters and the world I have created.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?

The most challenging thing about writing Fantasy is ensuring you are not copying someone else's work...Like was this really my idea or did I read this somewhere LOL. I read about 180 books each year so sometimes it is hard to keep up. 

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

Absolutely...The desire to read the next one LOL :P

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I don't know if they are unusual...I write my story. It then work on expanding it so it is novel length. During this expansion I tend to find offshoots and valleys I hadn't thought of to explore before. I review my book like 4-5 different times each time finding new things to add, clarify, or expand.

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

My favorite chapter that I have written is from my first book where my character young Lunette is murdered and Kirlynn exacts revenge. It is very controversial and emotional.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I think every writer at some point has experienced writers block. The way I deal with this is by writing what ever is in my mind, even it is off topic or complete nonsense. Eventually, ideas just start popping out because you are no longer trying.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

I designed the covers myself. When writing the books I knew exactly what I was envisioning for the cover.

What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading "Demons of New Chicago" by Kel Carpenter.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

I have just finalized my third book in this series. I plan to write at least another three books in this series following the Triad's children.

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I have been writing poems since I was in 5th grade and stories since 7th. I never expected that I would ever finish a novel, a lot less three. I have had a tendency to never finish things that I start for myself, focusing on others instead.

How long did it take you to write this book?

The first book took me 3 years to write, I had the story in my mind just not the motivation to really get going.

What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?

Hobbies? What are those. I am a full-time student. I work a full-time and a part-time job. Then there is the clinicals for school and the professional organizations I am a member of. Occasionally I fit sleep somewhere in there. If I wasn't doing any of this, I love to spend time at Disney, cruising, or just hanging with my family.